You can save a good amount of money by booking with the train operator itself as opposed to sites like Rail Europe or Eurail. Next time try booking with DB from bahn.com where you can also print your tickets anytime or simply display them on your phone to show to the inspector. These tickets will also have your car and seat number on them well in advance so you don't have to deal with any kiosks and/or staff at stations. As for finding out where to stand on the platform, refer to train formation plans throughout stations to know where your specific car will stop.
I think you have already figured it out, but nonetheless. The problem started after you choosed to buy tickets from a 3rd party seller for a unknown service. It is like buying a Greyhound or Amtrak ticket from a company that is not represented in the USA. In the end i hope you enjoyed your trip, it is a nice video. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment. We enjoyed the trip very much and I hope we get back to Germany in the near future. We'll be much better equipped for train travel when we do go back.
Sounds like you were just a bit late for your train nothing was the train company's fault it's normal at most stations that you check the screens for the track numbers and 1st class is always clearly marked. Perhaps get there with at least 20 mins before departure time especially at a station and country you have never been to before.
We just didn't know what to expect and the Frankfurt train station is 100% self serve; you either have to know what to do because you've already done it or you have to figure it out as you go. For our next trip to Germany, we'll be all set.
Have you tried entering your booking/reference number straight into a ticket machine? In many cases you can print out your pre-ordered tickets directly from a regular ticket machine and save a lot of time that way. Every platform in Germany has a car position indicator board that will point out exactly for each train in what section of the platform your car will stop. So you can position yourself well in advance exactly where your car is as every platform is divided into sections signposted by letters A, B, C, D, E, F.. So finding out where your car will stop will help you find the right waiting position. The cabins (compartments) are actually regular second class seats, when you make a reservation you can already define whether you want to sit in an open space car (“Großraumwagen”) or compartment (“Abteil”) and you can reserve the exact seat on a floor plan (even in the DB Navigator app)
This information is very helpful. Thanks. I plan to fly into Frankfurt in June and travel down to Munich for the first part of my vacation and then on to Italy. I’m still wondering if I should just rent a car since I have so many destinations in mind for my two week vacation. Any thoughts?
Went to visit my cousin in Korbach. Travel agent had train number, track number and seat number with instructions on how to find and use the kiosk before I left the States. Landed in Frankfurt, went like clockwork.
Where you sit is obvious. There are a lot of information screens on the plattform, showing where exactly you need to stand on the plattform so that the right car will stop right in front of you.
I did that train trip a year ago. Was easy to book, easy to navigate the platform, carriage number, seat. The booth seating your referring to is also an option when you book online🤷🏼♂️ I’m going frankfurt to Zurich in September, I’ll see how I go 👍
I know, the comments already told you, but really, buy from bahn.de next time. There‘s this thing called „Sparpreis“, which enables you to get dirt cheap tickets. I travelled from Altenkirchen to Hanover (around 400km) and back recently and paid 32,15€ in first class.
int.bahn.de/en/trains/luggage Two small carry ons and backpack shouldn't be any problem at all. We had two large suitcases and were able to put them in the luggage rack area at the end of the car we were riding in.
Did you research the price of renting a car? I’m just curious because I’ve just started researching. I’m going to be in Germany in June and plan to travel all the way down to Rome. I’m still trying to figure out if I should just rent a car because I want to go to so many places or if I should rely on the train system in order to save money
Thanks for the question. I'll be honest and admit that I'd be nervous about driving around in Europe. In the case of the trip this video came from, we based all of our activities out of each major city we were going to stay in, using mostly trains to move around because it's comfy and relatively fast since they actually use trains in Europe. I have a client right now who's planning an Ireland/Scotland trip with a rental car in the mix for the ability to visit specific small cities. Just be sure to thoroughly research the rental car situation per country. :) Good luck with the trip and have fun!
Actually you can check things like track numbers months ahead of time on the DB Navigator app. Also avoid using 3rd party booking services if you use the DB App or Website you get a genuine ticket and don't need to collect it at the train station. You could also just use a machine at the station, which seems to be an easier process than you used. Also the platforms have maps of where what carriges are on the train.
you made the train system way more complicated than it was, getting the ticket was easy at the kiosk. your ticket has a car number for where you are supposed to be sitting. Trains in the US are a nightmare.
As stated in the video, we'd never been there before. There were different types of kiosks, the trains apparently don't stay on the platform very long, etc. When you're new to the experience of trains in Germany..and you've _never_ done it before..it's not as easy as you make it sound.
You could have walked to first class inside the train. I do that all the time. But first class is overrated. By happy if you have a seat. Btw. trains are often not on time. Just take the one who comes into the train station. Next time you know, but you must be a pro by now.
$190???? what a ripoff! This is way too much for any trip between two random points in Germany! Please buy from bahn.de the next time and plan ahead of time!
@@OaklandTravel Hah; it’s in response to this: ua-cam.com/video/wXjhszy2f9w/v-deo.html It’s refreshing to hear someone who is not German complain about ze Deutsche Bahn xD
Travel to Europe need to do a lotttttttt of research specially when you take train . First traveller to Europe with train will really confuse you and no one we can ask no one it’s helpful and running around with you luggage . I can feel your frustration 😄, remind me of my past experience first time travel in Germany .Yes you right ! It’s a nightmare . Travel to Europe with train specially in Germany some of train you don’t know they can split one section going to other direction so when you don’t know you will lost and stuck in the train to other direction that’s not your destination 😱! As I know the train user for tourist not that friendly 😄 and specially in Italy hahahaha that’s more chaos !😣🤣You need to do your research a lot for travel alone in Europe . Europe loner traveler is for advance traveler ,if you want friendly and relaxing traveling , Canada is the best .
You can save a good amount of money by booking with the train operator itself as opposed to sites like Rail Europe or Eurail. Next time try booking with DB from bahn.com where you can also print your tickets anytime or simply display them on your phone to show to the inspector. These tickets will also have your car and seat number on them well in advance so you don't have to deal with any kiosks and/or staff at stations. As for finding out where to stand on the platform, refer to train formation plans throughout stations to know where your specific car will stop.
Anthony Korkhin great suggestions! Was thinking of getting the rail pass until you mentioned direct via operator. 🙏🏻
You can book those "enclosures" first or second class when you reserve a seat on the DB website it's called an "Abteil" in German
We hope to get back to Germany so day in the future so I'll reference these comments when we book train travel on the next trip.
I think you have already figured it out, but nonetheless.
The problem started after you choosed to buy tickets from a 3rd party seller for a unknown service. It is like buying a Greyhound or Amtrak ticket from a company that is not represented in the USA.
In the end i hope you enjoyed your trip, it is a nice video. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment. We enjoyed the trip very much and I hope we get back to Germany in the near future. We'll be much better equipped for train travel when we do go back.
Sounds like you were just a bit late for your train nothing was the train company's fault it's normal at most stations that you check the screens for the track numbers and 1st class is always clearly marked. Perhaps get there with at least 20 mins before departure time especially at a station and country you have never been to before.
We just didn't know what to expect and the Frankfurt train station is 100% self serve; you either have to know what to do because you've already done it or you have to figure it out as you go. For our next trip to Germany, we'll be all set.
Not a nightmare! Sounds like all my travel experiences 😅 and thank you for showing the not so glowing side of travel!
Thanks for watching!
Yes, gotta do your homework ahead of time. Rick Steeves is getting us very well prepared!
I will be prepared the next time. Thanks for the comment.
Have you tried entering your booking/reference number straight into a ticket machine? In many cases you can print out your pre-ordered tickets directly from a regular ticket machine and save a lot of time that way. Every platform in Germany has a car position indicator board that will point out exactly for each train in what section of the platform your car will stop. So you can position yourself well in advance exactly where your car is as every platform is divided into sections signposted by letters A, B, C, D, E, F.. So finding out where your car will stop will help you find the right waiting position. The cabins (compartments) are actually regular second class seats, when you make a reservation you can already define whether you want to sit in an open space car (“Großraumwagen”) or compartment (“Abteil”) and you can reserve the exact seat on a floor plan (even in the DB Navigator app)
This information is very helpful. Thanks. I plan to fly into Frankfurt in June and travel down to Munich for the first part of my vacation and then on to Italy. I’m still wondering if I should just rent a car since I have so many destinations in mind for my two week vacation. Any thoughts?
Went to visit my cousin in Korbach. Travel agent had train number, track number and seat number with instructions on how to find and use the kiosk before I left the States. Landed in Frankfurt, went like clockwork.
Be sure to stay with that travel agent. Thanks for the comment. 👍
Where you sit is obvious. There are a lot of information screens on the plattform, showing where exactly you need to stand on the plattform so that the right car will stop right in front of you.
Thanks for the comment 👍
I did that train trip a year ago.
Was easy to book, easy to navigate the platform, carriage number, seat.
The booth seating your referring to is also an option when you book online🤷🏼♂️
I’m going frankfurt to Zurich in September, I’ll see how I go 👍
We would have an easier time of it if we did it again.
08:27 funny english.....Trains usually don't land at railway stations, they just arrive ......
I know, the comments already told you, but really, buy from bahn.de next time. There‘s this thing called „Sparpreis“, which enables you to get dirt cheap tickets. I travelled from Altenkirchen to Hanover (around 400km) and back recently and paid 32,15€ in first class.
Thanks for the comment! :)
Good info, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
how many bags are allowed ont hese trains? are two small carry ons and a backpack ok?
int.bahn.de/en/trains/luggage
Two small carry ons and backpack shouldn't be any problem at all. We had two large suitcases and were able to put them in the luggage rack area at the end of the car we were riding in.
Did you research the price of renting a car? I’m just curious because I’ve just started researching. I’m going to be in Germany in June and plan to travel all the way down to Rome. I’m still trying to figure out if I should just rent a car because I want to go to so many places or if I should rely on the train system in order to save money
Thanks for the question. I'll be honest and admit that I'd be nervous about driving around in Europe. In the case of the trip this video came from, we based all of our activities out of each major city we were going to stay in, using mostly trains to move around because it's comfy and relatively fast since they actually use trains in Europe. I have a client right now who's planning an Ireland/Scotland trip with a rental car in the mix for the ability to visit specific small cities. Just be sure to thoroughly research the rental car situation per country. :)
Good luck with the trip and have fun!
Actually you can check things like track numbers months ahead of time on the DB Navigator app. Also avoid using 3rd party booking services if you use the DB App or Website you get a genuine ticket and don't need to collect it at the train station. You could also just use a machine at the station, which seems to be an easier process than you used. Also the platforms have maps of where what carriges are on the train.
Thanks for the comment! :)
you made the train system way more complicated than it was, getting the ticket was easy at the kiosk. your ticket has a car number for where you are supposed to be sitting. Trains in the US are a nightmare.
As stated in the video, we'd never been there before. There were different types of kiosks, the trains apparently don't stay on the platform very long, etc. When you're new to the experience of trains in Germany..and you've _never_ done it before..it's not as easy as you make it sound.
You could have walked to first class inside the train. I do that all the time. But first class is overrated. By happy if you have a seat. Btw. trains are often not on time. Just take the one who comes into the train station. Next time you know, but you must be a pro by now.
By the time we flew home from Berlin two weeks later, we were much more accustomed to train travel in Germany.
$190???? what a ripoff! This is way too much for any trip between two random points in Germany! Please buy from bahn.de the next time and plan ahead of time!
Thanks for the comment
Sank you for traveling wiss Deutsche Bahn
Welcome! :)
@@OaklandTravel Hah; it’s in response to this: ua-cam.com/video/wXjhszy2f9w/v-deo.html
It’s refreshing to hear someone who is not German complain about ze Deutsche Bahn xD
Hehehe..
Travel to Europe need to do a lotttttttt of research specially when you take train . First traveller to Europe with train will really confuse you and no one we can ask no one it’s helpful and running around with you luggage . I can feel your frustration 😄, remind me of my past experience first time travel in Germany .Yes you right ! It’s a nightmare . Travel to Europe with train specially in Germany some of train you don’t know they can split one section going to other direction so when you don’t know you will lost and stuck in the train to other direction that’s not your destination 😱! As I know the train user for tourist not that friendly 😄 and specially in Italy hahahaha that’s more chaos !😣🤣You need to do your research a lot for travel alone in Europe . Europe loner traveler is for advance traveler ,if you want friendly and relaxing traveling , Canada is the best .
Thank you for the comment 👍